🔗 Share this article NY Introduces Portal for Public to Submit Immigration Footage After Arrests of Four US Citizens New York state AG has introduced a fresh online portal asking locals to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests. American Citizens Detained In Raid A US congressman announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings. "All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement. "Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings." Submission Process The form offers fields to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to note location information. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report." Information about the Manhattan Operation The enforcement action, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – often to visitors. Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the urban roads. Official Reactions In a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken. "The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to stop unrest that they have created." Widespread Condemnation Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul. "Yet again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote. NYC community groups expressed outrage also. "Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group. Agency Rules Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government. Ongoing Trend Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country lately. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are commonplace including accusations of aggression and abusive practices. Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.